India’s Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh, recently clarified that the nation’s strong response to the Pahalgam terror attack was unequivocally aimed at terrorism itself, not any particular religion.
Speaking at an event for the Jain International Trade Community (JITO), Mr. Singh emphasized, “When we responded to the Pahalgam terror attack, we did not inquire about the dharm (religion) of the terrorists. Our target was terror, not civilians or military installations.” He firmly asserted that India makes no compromises when its pride and dignity are at stake.
He cited key instances like the 2016 surgical strikes, the 2019 Balakot air strikes, and the recent Operation Sindoor as clear demonstrations of India’s steadfast commitment to protecting its citizens and territorial integrity. Mr. Singh further added that India’s increasing military and economic might is not intended for dominance over other nations, but rather to safeguard its rich cultural heritage, spiritual traditions, and the humane ideals espoused by Lord Mahavira.
Appreciating the Jain community’s contributions to India’s development, the Minister highlighted the Modi government’s initiatives to bolster the economy. These include a strong focus on enhancing local manufacturing through schemes like Production Linked Incentives (PLI), robust support for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), and comprehensive efforts towards formalization and financial inclusion for small businesses.
India’s Remarkable Growth in Defence Exports
Mr. Singh proudly noted the significant advancements in India’s defence exports under the current administration. He stated that defence exports, which stood at a mere ₹600 crore in 2014, have now soared to over ₹24,000 crore and are projected to exceed ₹50,000 crore by 2029. He showcased examples such as Tejas fighter jets, Akash missiles, and Arjun tanks, underscoring that India’s armed forces are increasingly relying on ‘Made-in-India’ platforms.
As a testament to this, he mentioned the government’s recent decision to procure 97 Light Combat Aircraft from Hindustan Aeronautics, boasting more than 64% indigenous content. The Minister concluded by stating, “Today, India manufactures everything from toys to tanks. India is rapidly progressing towards becoming the world’s manufacturing hub. The day is not far when India will emerge as the factory of the world. All this is possible because the government’s intentions are clear and its policies are in the national interest.”